A consortium comprising German and Czech partners has initiated the Hydrocycle project, aiming to develop a hydrogen fuel cell-powered motorbike. The project envisions creating a demonstrator by the end of 2025 that complies with European approval standards and certification regulations, serving as an inspirational model for future mobility solutions.
The Hydrocycle project emphasizes the potential applicability of hydrogen-powered motorbikes for inner-city delivery services and parcel delivery companies, presenting an alternative to conventional electric motorcycles.
The partnership involves WätaS Wärmetauscher Sachsen GmbH, based in Saxony, responsible for developing a new generation of fuel cell stacks to form the foundation of the powertrain. The Fraunhofer Institute for Machine Tools and Forming Technology (Fraunhofer IWU) in Chemnitz is contributing to the project by supporting the development of new production technologies and enhancing stack functionalities through the ‘reference factory.H2.’ Additionally, Fraunhofer IWU is responsible for system dimensioning, packaging, and ensuring a seamless interface between vehicle and fuel cell system development.
The project is backed by funding from the European Union (EU) and the federal state of Saxony. The proponents highlight the advantages of hydrogen solutions, emphasizing longer range capabilities and shorter refueling times compared to battery-electric alternatives. The Hydrocycle project reflects the ongoing efforts to explore diverse hydrogen applications in the transportation sector, contributing to the evolution of sustainable and innovative mobility solutions.
